CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, and Aveta Biomics, USA, have joined their hands and announced the exclusive licensing to Aveta Biomics of CDRI's patented technology of Caviunin-based drug compositions for further clinical development and commercialisation.

Caviunin scaffold containing drug is the first orally administered drug with both anti-catabolic (prevention of bone breakdown) and anabolic (new bone formation) properties and is ready for Phase 2 clinical trial.

Dr Ritu Trivedi's group from the Endocrinology Division (CDRI) has shown that the Caviunin scaffold has a targeted action that prevents bone breakdown, stimulates new bone formation and reduces bone turnover markers.

This decade-long research at CDRI provides an insight to develop the first-in-class drug that is likely to modulate the host microbiome. "This license is a testament to the calibre of our innovative science and demonstrates the value of strong research productivity of our world-class scientists. We joined hands with Aveta Biomics given their track record of obtaining four clinical INDs of their botanical drugs for several cancer indications from the US FDA. We expect, therefore, translation of CDRI's research into real drugs for people living with bone-related conditions," said Dr Prof Tapas Kumar Kundu, Director of CDRI.